why convert to orthodox christianity
Originally the creed read that the Holy Spirit proceeded "from the Father"; a later Western interpolation (why, where, and by whom are not known), ratified at the Council of Toledo (589), added filioque to indicate that the Spirit proceeded from the Father "and the Son." There are many basic beliefs that Orthodoxy and evangelicalism hold in common: the inspiration of Scripture; the two natures of Christ, the finality and uniqueness of Christ's death on the cross, the resurrection, and our future hope of eternal life. But I slowly came to see that I cant communicate it. "It was a calling of the soul," Devorah Guilah Koren, who converted from Catholicism with her husband and two children, told me. It must sound like vague, fluffy religious talk (though in my experience it is anything but). 3:15 ). Now, the question stands: If one is convinced that Orthodox Christianity possess the fullness of truth and is God . Conversely, evangelicals argue that this forensic framework for sin and salvation is not merely a historical and unduly negative carryover from Augustine and Anselm, but rather is the clear teaching of Paul in his Letters to the Romans and Galatians. An Orthodox priest who lectured to standing-room-only crowds at Moscow State once described Orthodox theology to me as "music made in the conservatory," whereas he described Protestant theology as "music made in the honkytonk bars. So Christianity would not have been completely alien to the Rus, and even Vladimir's grandmother, Olga, would become enamored with Christianity. Buddhism and Conversion to Orthodoxy - Questions & Answers - Orthodox If someone is approaching the Orthodox Church from a purely rationalistic standpoint, they will almost surely find it wanting. As I realized what the big difference is,I grew more insistent, I'm afraid. "I was A. In the security of the Orthodox Church one finds peace, reassurance. Becoming an Orthodox Christian is not easy, nor does it promise great happiness or success in this life. This is the ultimate reason an ultra-Orthodox Jew would turn to Jesus. But about this pursuit we can make several observations. I responded by writing back: "Because I am committed to key distinctives of the Protestant evangelical tradition.". But only lately has it dawned on me that I must have strained friendships over the years due to my vocal enthusiasm for my adopted church. When we realize that every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle or a matter of conscience, then we are freed to engage fully people with whom we actually have profound differences without compromising our own theological commitments. Recently I worshiped at an Orthodox church in Palo Alto on this celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. But it's just fantasies, and they going to get themselves hopeless frustrated when it become clear that the fantasies can't become reality. Two theological controversies drove the final wedge between Catholic and Orthodox Christians: papal supremacy and the so-called filioque controversy. Orthodox Priest Explains Why Many People in the West are Converting to Orthodox Christianity. Converts to Orthodoxy usually precede their decision with voluminous reading and research, so their friends must endure agitated lectures on church history, ancient heresies, and what words mean in Greek. Pray for the Lords mercy, and you can find the strength to endure to the end. The beauty and majesty of her liturgical services celebrating the majesty and mystery of God continue to be a major attraction to many seekers of a religious experience that transcends the mundane reality and elevates the spirit to the divine realm. July 26, 2019 By Fr. In the East the local parish priest could administer the sacrament of confirmation; in the West only the bishop could. 12 Reasons Why I Became and/or Remain an Orthodox Christian According to the Second Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 787, icons are of equal benefit as Scripture in presenting the gospel message. Why isn't everyone christian? : r/Christianity On the other hand, there are cases where a person rejects the Church for what I would consider to be erroneous reasons. If our only reason for converting is more somber, reverent, and beautiful worship, the newness of this experience soon wanes. John Meyendorff writes that "the Christian faith can in no way be compatible with the notion of sola scriptura." The late Orthodox theologian John Meyendorff once remarked that the ultimate conflict between the Orthodox East and the Latin West, both Catholic and Protestant, resided in two different ideas about tradition. Rome accused the "Greek heretics" of trying to "humiliate and crush the holy catholic and apostolic church." Buddhists fast, pray, and give alms. It took me a few years to sense that there was a whole other something going on. Those friends benefit, no doubt, from this opportunity to practice patience and long-suffering. Because their focus for years was on their theological education (which they may still be paying for) often they end up in a low wage job that they don't love. Here are a few reasons from this man's personal reflection. The true details behind her It takes awhile to get it, because its gotten by a process of immersion, by soaking in a context of worship. Those who were clergy in a former denomination have no guarantees they will become clergy in the Orthodox Church. There are no doubt some ways that he is the same person he will always be, and there are ways Orthodoxy and every other church has significant points in common, not least that we love the same Lord. I appreciate this articles use of blunt honesty! He shares his witness of it. Women and men who marry into the Orthodox Jewish faith are required to convertand both genders follow an identical process. No doubt, I felt at home when first attending the Divine Liturgy, but this was after months of study and discussion with other Orthodox people. How to Become an Orthodox Christian - Phoenix, Arizona It was electrifying. Because everyone has their own presuppositions in which they interpret reality and thus no surprise you'll find people based on these presuppositions won't accept Christianity. Q&A: A closer look at Orthodox Christians | Pew Research Center Alexandria, 350,000 As I realized what the big difference is, I grew more insistent, Im afraid. Ignatius's followers, however, refused to acknowledge the transition, and eventually both Ignatius and Photius appealed to Pope Nicholas (858-67) in Rome. . It is no small thing for us to hold in common all the early, Christian creeds. We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendor or beauty anywhere upon earth. Fr. And such a journey can only be spoken of from experience. I had been to the east and discovered something wondrous that I assumed all Christians crave. Despite efforts at reunification, to this day the Catholic and Orthodox churches remain estranged. For them the fundamental schism occurred 500 years earlierin the year 1054 (more about that below). There is a distinct set of conservative converts to Eastern Orthodoxy, which depending on your perspective either left, or was left by, Roman Catholicism in the Great Schism of 1054. Hymns like these offer quite a theological education to anyone who comes to services, and if you didnt catch it all, theres a good chance theyre going to sing it two more times. "More than a . For example, on the Feast of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, the chanter launches into this: Of the Father before the morning star You were begotten from the womb without mother before all ages, even though Arius did believe You to be created, not God, classing You in ignorance and impudence with creatures Thats just a fraction of a thorough march through what happened at the first Council of Nicaea, and why it was important (including Arius unpleasant death from digestive indisposition: his bowels were torn by a divine hookin a repulsive manner his soul came out). Most people like to be polite and get along, so they highlight what we hold in common. Any objective historian can discover that the permanence of Orthodoxy is due to the preservation and the passing on of the apostolic faith unadulterated, pure. Put another way, we must invoke the spirit of irenic disagreement in the formula: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity." Why do Orthodox Christians keep a vigil at the Tomb of Christ? Converts to Orthodoxy usually precede their decision with voluminous reading and research, so their friends must endure agitated lectures on church history, ancient heresies, and what words mean in Greek. Surely there is enough evangelistic work for everyone. Christians in the West variously trace their roots to Rome (Catholics), Wittenberg (Lutherans), Geneva (Calvinists), Canterbury (Anglicans), or Oxford (Wesleyans). Sign up to receive a regular email newsletter from Fr. While the Church is certainly Divine in one respect, She is also comprised of human beingshuman beings that can, and do, err. Thank you for this! Once inside, a Western Christian experiences sensory overload: the near absence of chairs or pews, dim lighting, head coverings for most women, icons and frescoes covering almost every inch of space on the walls and ceiling, a massive and ornate iconostasis separating the priest and the worshipers, the smoky smell of incense and hundreds of candles burning in memory of the dead, the priest resplendent in his ornate vestments and enormous beard, and worshipers repeatedly prostrating themselves, kissing the icons, and making the sign of the cross. Why I Converted to Judaism | My Jewish Learning This may be to some extent true but it is much more than that. Instagram | She stands firm on her dogmatic and moral teachings. 20). Granny and Pops and Uncle Pete love the little guy, and theyre going to be kindly and patient with him because hes going through a phase. My husband and I were just Chrismated into the church on Christmas day. It is a good question, one I will answer in due course. My Conversion from Islam to Orthodoxy - ORTHODOX CHEYENNE As we move constantly between Unity and Trinity in God, so we must move between the parts and the whole in the Church, the whole being infinitely more than the sum of the parts. Why are Russian people (mostly) Orthodox Christians? In the dystopian film,Children of Mendirected by Alfonso Cuarn, a world is imagined in the future where no more children are born, and, as the decades pass, humanity is plunged into despair. It is precisely this view that elevates Scripture above the church and actually encourages private interpretation that the Orthodox theologian Georges Florovsky once called "the sin of the Reformation.". For such a question presupposes a particular person's journey of faith. When I visit prisons where floors are shiny, morale is noticeably higher. 1:4). Yes, because clearly a Christian is the most honest person to talk about the inner thoughts of atheists . As Philip said to Nathaniel, Come and see [John 1:46]. The collapse of the Roman Empire created a power vacuum that was increasingly filled by the growing power of the Roman papacy. I cant be the only one to have done this. Speaking out against a government that is massively exterminating believers, would only lead to greater persecution. Then bear your cross,, Please, include documents that can be downloaded or printed. Why Would A Protestant Christian Convert to Eastern Orthodox - YouTube When the media seized on John Paul II's statement, they not only missed his main point, they missed a wider story. Take Russia as an example: First, the majority of Russians are non-Christian and unevangelized. To be Eastern Orthodox is, above all, to stake a bold and unapologetic theological claim as the one true church of Christ on earth, which alone has guarded right belief and true worship in absolute identity and unbroken succession with the apostolic church. Why Are Protestants Converting To Orthodox Christianity? It is often wrongly assumed that Orthodoxy . To my friend who asked why I had not converted to Orthodoxy, the answer was surprisingly easy. Although my parents intentionally raised my brother and me without a focus on . Converting to Orthodox Judaism Is a Lot. Here's How 3 Women Did It. - ELLE It must sound like vague, fluffy religious talk (though in my experience it is anything but). The Vikings' Conversion to Christianity - Norse Mythology for Smart If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you If they persecuted me, they will persecute you (John 15:18. 1. Most Protestants would experience an Orthodox liturgy as something strange, even exotic. How To Become An Orthodox Christian - Journey To Orthodoxy many mercenaries would convert to Christianity. But if you are still intrigued and drawn to the Orthodox Church, considering all of these disclaimers, then do so with faith, reverence, and a healthy fear of God. Can you explain why some former clergy (from non-orthodox backgrounds) can enter without formal orthodox seminary education, while other former clergy (again, from non-orthodox backgrounds) are kept away even after the bishop (he who has the control and power) makes a statement that none may come to the clergy with our formal orthodox seminary? This perspective presupposes a defective Christologyone that fails to account for the anthropos of the theanthropic (Divine-human) Church. As the Body of Christ, the Church is a Divine-human organism, just as with the Person of Jesus Christ, the God-Man. If only you could get them to form two lines.). John 17:14.16). Instead, Orthodoxy believes that the church stands above the Scriptures, which is why, as noted, Orthodox believers agree to "accept and understand Holy Scripture in accordance with the interpretation that was and is held by the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church of the East, our Mother." But perhaps our theology of the church is too "low," much lower than our Protestant forebears would have it. Indeed, in a letter of 865, Pope Nicholas made it clear that he intended to extend the power of the papacy "over all the earth, that is, over every church." Thatwould be interesting. Several factors must be considered when converting to Greek Orthodox Christianity. Are you sure you heard the Meaning of Christmas? We have challenges here in Africa to find such information for, So glorious+++ Most Holy Theotokos save us, Pectoral Cross Spiritual enlightenment changes everything. In Protestantism there arose the doctrine of sola scriptura. While some did come over by force, the Orthodox also forcibly converted large numbers of Eastern Catholics Orthodoxy. Converts from Protestantism claim that Orthodoxy is strongest where evangelicals tend to be weak-its robust liturgical celebration of the majesty and mystery of God, its unyielding insistence on the indispensable role of tradition in theology, and its admirable heritage of perseverance amid terrible fires of persecution. Andrey brings us the news about Orthodox Christianity (the form of Christianity practiced by Russians). The Orthodox Churches share with the other Christian Churches the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. Orthodox churches are full of them. From Islam to Indonesian Orthodox Priest In "Clergy" 97% of Moldovans Identify as Orthodox Christians In "Latest Stories" Hope this helps, and hope that your journey to Orthodoxy is filled with every blessing. Why People Convert to Orthodoxy Some have even ended in apostasy. However, because I've never been really exposed to . He has no good option for dealing with that affection, so he's either sullen or angry. The stability that the Orthodox Church provides for the seeker consists in the assurance of the truth she possesses, her other-worldly and mysterious character, the beauty of her liturgical celebrations and her crucified lifethey all attest to what she is for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear: the unique, beloved Bride of Christ. It takes a while to get it, because its received by a process of immersion, by soaking in a context of worship. I hope so. For such a question presupposes a particular person's journey of faith. Why are Young People Becoming Orthodox? Engage Orthodoxy Her name is right belief. The Catalog of Good Deeds is the official blog of the Catalogue of St. Elisabeth Convent. Surprised by Christ: My Journey from Judaism to Orthodox Christianity Georgia, 3 million Missiological concerns surface here, too. Serbia, 8 million By joining Orthodoxy one inherits a theological package that includes central elements that have traditionally troubled many Protestant evangelicals and omits doctrines many evangelicals consider nonnegotiable essentials of vital Christianity. Conversion is not only a matter of the intellect, but also of the heart. Inherent in this claim, of course, is the charge that both Catholics and Protestants have lapsed from the true faith into error, if not outright heresy. This icon, Wedding Icon of The Mother Of God Submitted by Fr. Wynona is a Catholic planning to marry an Orthodox man, but as she tells us, "my Catholic parish priest is not giving his consent for this marriage, so it will be held in an Orthodox church.". Why did Kievan Rus convert to Orthodox Christianity? Religion became a state of the Roman Empire, and Christianity became an enormous and influential religion nationwide. Handcarved The conversion of 2,000 evangelicals in 17 congregations "from Alaska to Atlanta" in 1987, recounted in Peter Gillquist's Becoming Orthodox, is only a small window into a larger phenomenon. These groups mostly came over willingly. And these prayers are jam-packed. Why didn't Henry VIII become Orthodox? - Paradox Interactive Forums Although it is difficult to gather firm figures, worldwide Orthodox Christians number about 150 million, with 3 million in the U.S. alonemore than most evangelical denominations. Instead, an adolescent has to figure out and establish his adult persona in the face of affection. The basic framework of services like the Divine Liturgy or Vespers doesnt change much, but every day of the liturgical year provides prayers for saints and feasts that can be added to that framework. It was like seeing a face emerge from a random pattern of dots, and then wink at you. Then C" The strengths of a group draws them but after a while the weaknesses bubble up. We cannot describe it to you: only this we know, that God dwells there among men, and that their service surpasses the worship of all other places. (Of course, for every person insisting that there were no differences, there was another person asking me to explain the differences. Further, the Orthodox reject the idea of inherited guilt; we are guilty only for our own sins rather than for the inborn consequences of Adam's fall. It is why I think a number of people have a list of groups they have been in here. Liturgically, the Orthodox ethos of a formal worship setting will attract some Christians, but to many other vibrant movements within evangelicalism it will have little if any appeal. From the Orthodox perspective, both Catholics and Protestants seek to ground theological authority in an external norm. At the time I was so occupied with comprehending this strange thing called Orthodoxy that I emphasized the differences, and was impatient with kindly big-tent suggestions. John A. Peck, The Apostolic Mission of Journey To Orthodoxy, On the Path of Love: From Islam to Christianity, Madagascar: Church Opens Huge Complex with Church, Schools, Orphanage, Old Folks Home, Australia: Orthodoxy Fastest Growing Church amidst General Christian Decline. You haven't "arrived" in this life. After being dunked in this sea of hymnography for a few years I began to recognise an underlying unity among all the elements of Orthodoxy the worship, the fasting, the exhortations to humility, the companionship of the saints, all of it. Orthodox Christianity offers a third solution, that is faith with an emphasis on symbolism, inner experience, and Church communion. There are no doubt some ways that he is the same person he will always be, and there are ways Orthodoxy and every other church has significant points in common, not least that we love the same Lord. She has offered more martyrs in the twentieth century under communism than most churches have members. As independent churches, they are not bound together by any unilateral or monarchical organization, nor do they owe allegiance to a single primacy, as Roman Catholics do to the pope. Thus, while the Protestant principle of sola scriptura places Scripture above tradition, for Orthodoxy the two are complementary means of one organic whole through which the Spirit of God speaks. Praise for Surprised by Christ "Surprised by Christ is an autobiography, an intellectual history, and a conversion story, and more than these, conveys a spiritual and theological vision in a message that touches people from many different backgrounds. While discovering the truth of Orthodoxy is exciting, we need to learn a gracious balance when dealing with our friends, family, workmates and others with whom we have contact. I kept finding myself in conversations with nice people who wanted to assure me that this very thing I was so excited about in Orthodoxy is something they have in their church as well. The basic theological impetus for the ever-virginity of Mary (besides the fact that it is presumably historically true and would have been passed down from the early days of the church) is the fact that Mary was profoundly sanctified by her role as the living sanctuary in which God dwelled (quite literally) for nine months and from whom he The numbers are staggering! Orthodox Christians and some Eastern Catholics baptize by triple immersion upon invocation of the Trinity; the only time the Orthodox Church permits other forms of baptism is in the case of an emergency. Granny and Pops and Uncle Pete love the little guy, and theyre going to be kindly and patient with him because hes going through a phase. If only you could get them to form two lines.). And for Orthodoxy, this argument from holy tradition is of great significance. These arguments wont convert anyone. For example, on the Feast of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, the chanter launches into this: Of the Father before the morning star Thou wast begotten from the womb without mother before all ages, even though Arius did believe Thee to be created, not God, classing Thee in ignorance and impudence with creatures. Is the church made up of those who have been "regenerated" by infant baptism in an Orthodox church institution, or by those who have experienced new birth and been justified by grace through faith? Your email address will not be published. Don't pretend you don't know what I mean. Suspicion and recrimination have often characterized relationships between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Protestantism. This hardly signifies any sort of congregational or ecclesiological democracy, however, for while all believers possess the truth, it is the special duty of church authorities to teach it. Made using e, Book Cover for the Epistle Lol. Shortly after the beginning of our own catechumenate as a family, we saw friendsand their familiesbegin journeys towards the East. Q&A: A closer look at Orthodox Christians. Rather, they are a source of revelation. Becoming Orthodox is not a conversion but more so a transformation of self. Why I'm Not Orthodox | Christianity Today Step Two: Repentance There is no salvation without repentance. Why did Vladimir convert to Orthodox Christianity? Perhaps this unanticipated experience of encountering something unknown and marvellously organic accounts for the distinctive lapel-grabbing impulse among converts to Orthodoxy. This woode, Christ (Wedding Icon in Textile Oklad) Why I Converted from Orthodoxy - Clarifying Catholicism Learn About the Religion. Toggle signature Worse, they considered the interpolation to be theologically untrue and a threat to the doctrine of the Trinity. The pairing of both secular groups with the Orthodox in a religious freedom case is rare they have frequently been on opposite sides on church-state separation issues such as same-sex marriage . Why Are Protestants Converting To Orthodox Christianity? For example, if a person goes through a great deal of hardship, sacrifice, and turmoil in order to join the Churchas in the case of former clergy in a different communion, or when ones family does not approvethey might feel that the Church owes them for converting. We are not seeking to reform or to teach the Church how it should do things, but are rather seeking to be formed by the Church and to learn how we should be doing things as faithful Christians. Sdn Tim Grace unveils the surprising message of Christmas. After his marriage Vladimir I officially changed the state religion to Orthodox Christianity and destroyed pagan temples and icons. In this Orthodox view, Scripture stands within rather than above the church, and to distinguish its authority from that of the church is a mistake of method. It had ramifications for the ecclesiastical status of both cities and further exacerbated the strained relations between the two regions. This is particularly notable in the mid-1st century, when the circumcision controversy came to the fore. Conversion involves a change or transformation in vision, direction and heart, one rooted in repentance and the acknowledgement of Our Lord as the One Who is truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners. In any event, feel free to introduce yourself to and speak with the priest and his parishioners. Why didn't Henry VIII go Orthodox, and what would happen if he did? Most notable are its beliefs about baptism and the Eucharist. ", Icons are not merely sacred art. Orthodoxy attracts seekers with her other-worldliness, with her holiness, with her worship, with her services and sacraments, with the form and content of her religious expression, with her iconography, with her chanting, with her mysticism, with her monasticism, with her life between heaven and earth. One feels that the Church is not just a worldly organization, but a divine-human organism. Facebook | This is not just an explanation but an apology, and even an appreciation for the perseverance of friendship in the face of truly annoying behavior. Join our newsletter to get the most interesting articles on spiritual issues and learn about the recent news from St. Elisabeth Convent. Hello all, forgive me if I am posting to the wrong forum. 5:12). In Catholicism this external dogmatic authority resides in the teaching magisterium of the church as expressed in the primacy and infallibility of the papacy. How did Vladimir's conversion to Christianity affect Kiev? Liberalism is not a word in the Orthodox vocabulary. Buddhists are called to meditate. However, they rarely spent any time in Orthodox worship services or their local parish, developed no relationship with a priest, and did not engage their spouse or family in their studies and interest in the Church. For church membership? If anyone is unwilling or not ready to submit to the Church in all areas of life, they should stay awayuntil or unless they are ready to do so.
